Iloilo International Airport

Coordinates: 10°49′58″N 122°29′36″E / 10.83278°N 122.49333°E / 10.83278; 122.49333
This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Iloilo Airport" redirects here. For the old airport, see Mandurriao Airport.
Iloilo International Airport

Pangkalibutan nga Hulugpaan sang Iloilo
Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Iloilo
The airport terminal building
Summary
Airport typePublic
Owner/OperatorCivil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
ServesMetro Iloilo–Guimaras
LocationCabatuan, Iloilo, Philippines
OpenedJune 14, 2007; 16 years ago (2007-06-14)
Operating base forCebu Pacific[1]
Time zonePHT (UTC+08:00)
Elevation AMSL46.64 m / 153 ft
Coordinates10°49′58″N 122°29′36″E / 10.83278°N 122.49333°E / 10.83278; 122.49333
Maps
Map of Iloilo International Airport complex
Map of Iloilo International Airport complex
ILO/RPVI is located in Visayas
ILO/RPVI
ILO/RPVI
ILO/RPVI is located in Philippines
ILO/RPVI
ILO/RPVI
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
02/20 2,500 8,202 Asphalt concrete
Statistics (2022)
Passengers1,708,764
Increase 399.71%
Aircraft movements14,386
Increase 182.58%
Cargo (in kg)4,243,113
Decrease 13.08%
Source: CAAP[2]

Iloilo International Airport (IATA: ILO, ICAO: RPVI), also known as Iloilo Airport,[3][4] and as Cabatuan Airport,[5] after the municipality of Cabatuan, Iloilo,[3] where it is located,[3] is the airport serving the province of Iloilo in the Philippines,[6] including its capital city, Iloilo City, the regional center of the Western Visayas region. It opened its doors to commercial traffic on June 14, 2007, after a decade of planning and construction, replacing Mandurriao Airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, which had been in service for over seventy years. As a result, the new airport inherited its IATA and ICAO airport codes, as well as its position as the fourth-busiest airport in the Philippines,[7] from its predecessor.[8] It was the fifth-busiest airport in the Philippines in 2022.[9] It is the first airport in both Western Visayas and the island of Panay to be built to international standards, and it is also considered to be the primary gateway into the region.[10] It is classified as an international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The airport is located in Cabatuan, Iloilo,[3][11] 24 kilometers (15 mi) northwest of Iloilo City on a 188-hectare (460-acre) site spread across Barangays Tabucan, Tiring, Gaub, Duyan-Duyan and Manguna.[11] The airport complex consists of a single runway, various administrative and maintenance buildings, waste-sorting and water-treatment facilities, a power-generating station, a cargo terminal, and a main passenger terminal.[12] Its location on the Tomas Confesor Highway, a major highway transversing the island, makes the airport accessible from all parts of Iloilo and Panay by road, while its proximity to the currently defunct Panay Railways network could potentially link the airport to the rest of Panay by rail.

Since it opened in 2007, Iloilo International Airport is one of the largest airports constructed in the Philippines. During its inauguration, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo remarked that the airport was the most beautiful and modern in the country and called it a symbol of both political will and economic maturity.[13]

History[edit]

The situation at Mandurriao Airport[edit]

By the 1990s, Mandurriao Airport was faced with a myriad of problems which warranted its eventual closure.

Prior to the construction of Iloilo International Airport, Iloilo City was served by Mandurriao Airport, located in the Mandurriao district of Iloilo City, which had been in operation since 1937.[14] Though continually expanded in order to accommodate the changing demands of the city throughout much of its history,[citation needed] Iloilo City's rapid urbanization had made this feat impossible by the 1990s. The 2,202-square-meter (23,700 sq ft) terminal building,[15] constructed in 1982 to handle the passenger demands of a single airline, (Philippine Airlines, being the Philippines' aviation monopoly at the time), was unable to cope with the liberalization of the Philippine aviation industry and the subsequent boom in air travel, when as many as four airlines served the airport at the same time and where the passenger terminal needed to have an area of at least 7,800 square meters (84,000 sq ft) in order to absorb all peak-hour demand.[15][16]

The airport's problems continued to linger with it into the new millennium. The increasing incidence of terrorism in the Philippines for example forced aviation officials to restrict airport access only to passengers, the sealing of doors and windows at airport terminals being an essential component thereof.[16] However, the airport's architecture (which took advantage of natural ventilation) and lack of air conditioning made the airport's pre-departure and arrival areas very uncomfortable for passengers to stay in. To counteract this, the Air Transportation Office (the forerunner of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) installed six air-conditioning units at the pre-departure area. Although the installed units were able to provide a degree of comfort to passengers, the ATO recognized that their efforts were inadequate: in order to effectively provide a comfortable environment for passengers throughout the entire terminal building, twenty-three air conditioners needed to be installed.[16] Passenger complaints meanwhile were not limited to just the lack of air conditioning: despite the existence of a baggage X-ray machine, passengers flying other airlines were forced to have their baggage manually checked as the machine was ostensibly for the sole use of Philippine Airlines passengers.[16]

In addition to problems with the terminal building, both the airport's location and surrounding infrastructure were the subject of much complaint as well. For one, although some 1,700 cars visited the airport daily, the parking lot had only 129 slots, and could not be expanded any further. The airport complex likewise was located directly alongside major city thoroughfares, in particular the city's main highway, the Tomas Confesor Highway, which complicated the flow of traffic in and around the area. At one point, the ATO, which was already having difficulty managing vehicular traffic around the airport, proposed banning cargo and delivery trucks from passing through the road in front of the terminal building. However, the city government did not respond.[16]

Beset with a myriad of problems, authorities eventually concluded that a new airport had to be built outside the city, selecting the municipality of Cabatuan as the site of the new Iloilo International Airport. The airport's location was also the site of Cabatuan Airfield,[17] a World War II airfield built primarily in Barangay Tiring but also spread out to adjacent Barangays Duyan-Duyan, Gaub, and Tabucan, all located in the same municipality.

Lt. Col. Ryoichi Tozuka, the commander of the Imperial Japanese Army in Panay Island, signed the document of surrender at Cabatuan Airfield,[18] on September 2, 1945, the same day as the surrender signing in Japan aboard the U.S.S. Missouri. This was accepted by Col. Raymond G. Stanton, comdg the 160th U.S. Infantry regiment, and was attended by Rear Admiral Ralph O. Davis, comdg the U.S. Navy's 13th Amphibious Group, and by Brig. Gen. Donald J. Myers, comdg the 40th Infantry Division. The 13th Amphibious Group was tasked to transport the 40th U.S. Infantry Division to Korea.[19]

Planning and construction[edit]

Officials from the Philippine Information Agency being briefed by airport project managers on progress of the airport's construction, 2006

In October 1995, the Iloilo city government announced its intention to construct a new airport outside the city in cooperation with the private sector.[20] Although two sites were initially proposed: north of the city in Cabatuan and south of the city in the province of Guimaras, the ATO decided to keep the airport in Iloilo, citing the lack of demand in Guimaras to justify construction there.[15] The Regional Development Council for Western Visayas (RDC) later endorsed the project to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for its approval in July 1997.[21] Despite the endorsements, the NEDA, citing an internal rate of return below the set "hurdle rate" of fifteen percent and the impossibility of acquiring some 415 hectares (1,030 acres) of land for the project in one year, rejected the airport proposal in February 1998,[22] and the project was subsequently excluded from the 1998 development cooperation program of the German government.[23]

Concurrently with the planning of the new airport, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) initiated a study on the master planning and long-term development plans of four key domestic airports in the Philippines. The report cited Mandurriao Airport, Bacolod City Domestic Airport, Legazpi Airport and Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City as these key domestic airports, noting the high growth of passenger and cargo volume there and the eventual need for expansion.[24] Heeding the recommendations of the JICA report, President Joseph Estrada signed a memorandum in November 1998 creating the Iloilo Airport Coordinating Committee, headed by Iloilo-born senator Franklin Drilon.[25] The coordinating committee decided that a new airport was needed for Iloilo City as Mandurriao Airport was deemed unexpandable due to operational obstacles and the presence of slums and other natural and civic structures that would restrict expansion efforts.[26] In addition, the committee, objecting to the idea that the new airport would serve merely as a reliever for the new Bacolod airport, successfully lobbied for an international airport to be built in lieu of a domestic one.[27] The project finally received NEDA approval in March 2000,[28] with Cabatuan as the location of the new airport based on a study performed by both the DOTC and the JICA later that year.[26]

Although multiple funding sources were originally considered by the NEDA to fund the airport's construction,[29] it was decided that the project should avail of an official development assistance facility offered by the Japanese government through the then-newly formed Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). After almost two years of negotiations, and after initially refusing to bankroll the project,[30] the JBIC extended a 6.2 billion peso (US$152 million) loan to the Philippine government in August 2000.[31]

The Iloilo International Airport project was inaugurated by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on January 25, 2004, and construction work on the new airport started on April 14 that year.[32][better source needed] The original expected deadline of completion was June 2007,[33] although this was moved to the first quarter of 2007. A joint venture between the Taisei Corporation and the Shimizu Corporation of Japan served as the contractor for the project,[33] with Phil-Japan Airport Consultants, Inc. managing the project and serving as the government's consultant to the project.[34] The project was 75 percent complete as of July 14, 2006, and fully completed by March 18, 2007.[34][35] While construction was completed ahead of schedule, the airport was constructed over budget, with a final cost of around 8.8 billion pesos ($201 million) caused by increases in the cost of civil works and consultancy services.[36][37]

Name[edit]

Senator Franklin Drilon inspecting the construction, 2006

During construction, the airport was officially called the New Iloilo Airport Development Project, or NIADP. However, as the airport was nearing completion, there were three main contenders for the airport's name: Iloilo International Airport, the original name of the airport which had the support of the Iloilo provincial and city governments;[38][better source needed] Panay International Airport, proposed by the President and supported by the RDC, which at the time was led by Antique governor Salvacion Perez;[39][better source needed][40] and Graciano Lopez-Jaena International Airport, named after the Iloilo-born Graciano López Jaena, proposed by the Dr. Graciano Lopez-Jaena Foundation with the support of the RDC and Antique governor Perez, who is also a member of the foundation,[41] and endorsed by the National Historical Institute.[42][better source needed][43]

Out of the two proposals, the name Panay International Airport was dropped due to opposition by the Iloilo city and provincial governments,[38] the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo City,[44] the mayor of Cabatuan and Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez,[45][46][better source needed] all citing that it is illogical to rename an airport after an island as large as Panay. Prospects for Graciano Lopez-Jaena International Airport were better, with then Iloilo governor Niel Tupas, Sr. saying that the feasibility of renaming the airport after López Jaena or any other Ilonggo should be studied first.[41]

Local newspaper The News Today issued an informal survey asking Iloilo City residents what should be the name of the airport and why. Although the survey is non-scientific, a plurality of the nineteen respondents suggested that the name be kept as Iloilo International Airport.[47]

More recently, after the opening of the airport, the local government of Cabatuan suggested renaming the airport after Tomas Confesor, a native of Cabatuan who once served as governor of Iloilo, a senator, and is known for being one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. This was opposed by Tupas' successor, Arthur Defensor, Sr., who says that the current name has geographic value.[48] Opposition to the proposed name change has also come from Senator Drilon,[49] the Iloilo Business Club,[50] and the regional office of the Department of Tourism.[48]

Inauguration and start of operations[edit]

Accompanied by national and local officials, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at ribbon cutting ceremony, June 13, 2007

Iloilo International Airport was originally scheduled to open on March 19, 2007, when its inaugural flight would land;[51] however, this was moved to April 16, with commercial operations commencing on April 21.[52] This date was likewise scrapped due to the inability of the President to attend because of the hospitalization of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo,[53] with a new date scheduled for sometime in late April.[36] Some sources indicated that the airport would open on May 10, 2007, during a major TEAM Unity rally in Iloilo City that President Arroyo was expected to attend,[54] although this date was not considered in favor of a date after the 2007 elections,[55] specifically in June,[56] in order to avoid political overtones from dominating the airport's opening.[57] The final date chosen for the airport's inauguration was June 13, 2007,[58] with commercial services commencing the next day.[59] By that time, airlines had already transferred their offices to the new airport.[58]

The airport was formally opened on June 13 with the arrival of the presidential aircraft at the new airport at around 9:50 am PST,[60] with Governor Tupas leading provincial and city officials in welcoming the President to the new facility.[60] The inauguration of the new airport also included figures such as Japanese ambassador Ryuchiro Yamazaki and Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, who assisted the President in leading the inaugural rites.[13] The facility itself was formally commissioned at 5:00 am PST on June 14, coinciding with the simultaneous decommissioning of Mandurriao Airport.[61] The first commercial flight to land at the new airport was Air Philippines Flight 987, a Boeing 737-200 that departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) and landed at 6:05 am PST the same day.[62]

Operations on the first day of the airport's commercial activity ran smoothly, although a baggage conveyor belt and X-ray machines malfunctioned due to a sudden surge in passengers trying to catch their early morning flights.[63] Some tension marred the airport's first day after baggage porters who worked at the old airport insisted on working at the new airport.[63] The ATO, DOTC and the porters have since agreed to a closed-door conference and later on to refer the problem to DOTC Assistant Secretary Eduardo "Red" Kapunan, the person in charge of international airports in the Philippines.[63]

Future expansion and development[edit]

Since the opening of Iloilo International Airport, the airport has operated beyond its designed annual capacity of 1.2 million passengers. By 2019, the airport handled more than two million passengers.[64] Plans to expand the airport were laid as early as February 2016, to be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. The project would have cost ₱30.40 billion and would involve the expansion of the passenger terminal and other facilities. It also included a 30-year concession contract to operate and maintain the airport.[65]

However, no new reports surfaced until expansion plans were restarted in December 2018, when the Villar Group of businessman and former senator Manny Villar submitted an unsolicited proposal to operate, maintain, and expand the airport.[66] The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines granted the original proponent status to the proposal in May 2019.[67]

Another plan was announced in October 2022, when the Department of Transportation announced the airport's inclusion on the list of airports in the PPP pipeline for the upgrading and expansion of airports.[68] By December 2022, the airport's supervisor asserted the need for expansion, as the passenger terminal operates again beyond its designed capacity as travel demand returns to its pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.[69]

Structure[edit]

Runway[edit]

Airport runway

Iloilo International Airport has one primary 2,500-meter (8,200 ft) runway 45 meters (148 ft) wide.[36] The runway runs at a direction of 02°/20°, the same as Mandurriao Airport. However, unlike the runway at Mandurriao, the longer runway at Iloilo International Airport can support widebodied aircraft such as the Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350 XWB, Airbus A380, Boeing 777 (with reduced payload for the -300 series or -200 series), Boeing 767, Boeing 757, Antonov An-124 Ruslan, McDonnell Douglas MD-11, Boeing 787. This was proven when an Airbus A310 and a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III (designated as an Airbus CC-150 Polaris and CC-177 Globemaster III, respectively) belonging to the Royal Canadian Air Force, landed at the airport to deploy Canadian troops for relief operations in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

Runway lights and an Instrument Landing System were installed, making the airport capable of supporting low-visibility and night landings under any weather conditions.[12]

Terminals[edit]

Passenger terminal[edit]

Interior of the passenger terminal

The airport has a 13,700-square-meter (147,000 sq ft) main passenger terminal designed to accommodate around 1.2 million passengers annually.[70] Regarded as one of the most beautifully designed airport terminals in the Philippines, its architectural style is said to be reminiscent of Hong Kong International Airport, albeit on a smaller scale.[71] It is divided into three levels: arrivals and baggage claim on the first floor, check-in on the second floor and departures on the third floor.[36] The pre-departure area at Iloilo International Airport has a capacity of 436 passengers.[12] Three jet bridges protrude from the terminal above a 48,000-square-meter (520,000 sq ft) apron,[36] enabling Iloilo International Airport to handle up to six aircraft simultaneously. When fully extended, the jet bridges stretch to a length of 35 meters (115 ft).[12]

The terminal is equipped with six X-ray machines,[12] as well as escalators and staircases for departing and arriving passengers' use.[72] There are also two elevators, one for very important persons and one for disabled passengers.[72] Two pocket gardens have been installed at the terminal, one each for both the departure and arrival halls.[8] The building features ten modern check-in counters with LCD monitors.[12] The terminal makes extensive use of natural lighting, designed for energy efficiency. Other amenities available to passengers include a special smoking room, a duty-free shop,[73] a VIP lounge, a Mabuhay Lounge for Philippine Airlines business class passengers[74] and counters for hotel and car rental bookings, as well as areas for airport stores and payphones.[12]

On August 5, 2016, the CAAP launched the airport's free wireless Internet network, in cooperation with PLDT and Smart Communications.[75]

Cargo terminal[edit]

Iloilo International Airport has a 1,281-square-meter (13,790 sq ft) cargo terminal,[38] designed to handle up to 11,500 tonnes (11,300 long tons; 12,700 short tons) of cargo annually.[70] The three-storey building, built in an architectural style similar to that of the main terminal building, has a covered platform, bathrooms, government offices and cargo handling areas, as well as its own parking lot. Airline offices also occupy the structure, secured by means of a perimeter fence with a guard house.[12]

Other structures[edit]

Control tower

Iloilo International Airport has a 35-meter (115 ft) tall control tower equipped with air navigation equipment and radar systems.[36] A briefing room for pilots is found inside the control tower. Additionally, the airport complex has a fire station equipped with three fire trucks,[72] a maintenance building, a mechanical building and an administrative building.[36] In front of the passenger terminal is a 415-slot parking lot for the use of passengers, employees and airport visitors.[72]

The airport has a power back-up system and a power generating station that enables the airport to run in the event of a power outage,[76] returning the supply of electric power to the facility within three seconds.[72] The airport has water treatment facilities and a 6-hectare (15-acre) man-made pond used for flood control and drainage purposes as well as for the irrigation of nearby farmland.[34] A waste treatment and sorting facility on the airport grounds converts solid waste into fertilizer for the use of surrounding farms.[12]

Panoramic view of airport

Airlines and destinations[edit]

An Airbus A321 of Philippine Airlines (PAL Express) and A320 of Cebu Pacific at the apron.
AirlinesDestinations
Cebgo Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Puerto Princesa
Cebu Pacific Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Manila
PAL Express Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Manila
Philippines AirAsia Manila
Sunlight Air Cebu (begins July 1, 2024)[77]

Having previously served commercial international flights, international flights to and from the airport have been suspended since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[78]

In 2011, Iloilo International Airport serviced an average of 42 flights daily on four domestic routes.[79] At the time of its opening, the ATO believed that international flights out of and to the airport might not begin until 2008,[80] although international passenger flights could commence once Iloilo International Airport meets ICAO standards.[81] A study was conducted on the feasibility of the airport serving international flights,[82] and the CAAP announced that year that the airport met ICAO standards, allowing for international flights to land at the airport.[79]

The DOTC plans to stage international cargo flights out of the airport, as sixty percent of Philippine seafood exports come from Panay. Japan and Hong Kong have been cited as potential first destinations of these cargo flights.[81]

On January 31, 2008, the Iloilo city government announced that Cebu Pacific was considering starting international services from Iloilo, initially with a route to Hong Kong to cater to the large number of Overseas Filipinos there.[83] Philippine Airlines later announced its intent to serve this route as well, suggesting that Iloilo tourism authorities mount thrice-weekly charter flights to the city using PAL Airbus A320 aircraft.[84] City government officials also believed that the opening of a Cathay Pacific office in Iloilo City may bode well for future service to Hong Kong.[85] In addition to Hong Kong flights, the Center for Research and Communication of the University of Asia and the Pacific has called for flights from Iloilo City to Japan, South Korea and mainland China.[86] The first international flight from Iloilo International Airport departed on November 8, 2012, to Hong Kong.[87]

PAL Express, a subsidiary of Philippine Airlines, once considered a direct route from Iloilo to Malay to boost Boracay-bound tourism traffic.[88] A resolution passed by the Iloilo City Local Development Council (ICLDC) called on PAL president Jaime Bautista to institute direct flights to Malay from Iloilo, with onward service to Cebu City on the return portion from Malay.[85] However, PAL has questioned the route's feasibility, citing congestion at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport which serves that municipality.[84] Nearly ten years after initial service was discussed, on March 20, 2017, leisure carrier Air Juan became the first airline to launch scheduled service between the two airports, as well as launching additional service to Cuyo in Palawan,[89] and supplementary service to Sipalay in Negros Occidental.[90]

Statistics[edit]

Data from Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).[91][92][93][94][9]

Annual passenger traffic at ILO airport. See Wikidata query.
Year Passenger movements Aircraft movements Cargo movements (in kg)
Domestic International Total % change Domestic International Total % change Domestic International Total % change
2007 1,002,618 1,002,618 Increase 15.99 10,532 10,532 Increase 14.13 10,104,427 10,104,427 Increase 1.85
2008 1,073,907 1,073,907 Increase 7.11 12,160 12,160 Increase 15.46 9,360,273 9,360,273 Decrease 7.36
2009 1,324,148 1,324,148 Increase 23.30 8,440 8,440 Decrease 30.59 7,483,077 7,483,077 Decrease 20.05
2010 1,498,695 1,498,695 Increase 13.18 16,034 16,034 Increase 89.98 11,820,227 11,820,227 Increase 57.96
2011 1,707,969 1,707,969 Increase 13.96 10,094 10,094 Decrease 37.05 11,601,045 11,601,045 Decrease 1.85
2012 1,854,427 1,854,427 Increase 8.57 18,208 18,208 Increase 80.38 12,961,254 12,961,254 Increase 11.72
2013 1,639,364 48,734 1,688,098 Decrease 8.97 23,700 474 24,174 Increase 32.77 12,959,967 — 12,959,967 Decrease 0.01
2014 1,621,650 55,982 1,677,632 Decrease 0.62 17,192 494 17,686 Decrease 26.84 15,292,992 — 15,292,992 Increase 18.00
2015 1,854,126 61,696 1,915,822 Increase 14.20 21,342 566 21,908 Increase 23.87 12,920,439 — 12,920,439 Decrease 15.51
2016 1,874,922 68,797 1,943,719 Increase 1.46 19,463 590 20,053 Decrease 8.47 13,338,851 — 13,338,851 Increase 3.24
2017 1,954,813 68,203 2,023,016 Increase 4.08 20,530 507 21,037 Increase 4.91 15,494,800 — 15,494,800 Increase 16.16
2018 2,215,074 80,909 2,295,983 Increase 13.49 22,691 636 23,327 Increase 10.89 22,616,854 183,215 22,800,069 Increase 47.15
2019 2,754,772 80,126 2,834,898 Increase 23.47 22,091 598 22,689 Decrease 2.74 16,157,385 133,255 16,290,640 Decrease 28.55
2020 666,385 20,193 686,578 Decrease 75.78 7,664 93 7,757 Decrease 65.81 6,125,541 38,613 6,164,154 Decrease 62.16
2021 341,950 — 341,950 Decrease 50.20 5,090 1 5,091 Decrease 34.37 4,881,693 — 4,881,693 Decrease 20.81
2022 1,708,764 — 1,708,764 Increase 399.71 14,386 — 14,386 Increase 182.58 4,243,113 — 4,243,113 Decrease 13.08

An em dash (—) is used if data from CAAP is not available.

Access and transportation[edit]

Road[edit]

A secondary access road leading to the airport complex. This road branches from the main access road leading to the airport.

Iloilo International Airport is connected to Iloilo City proper via the Tomas Confesor Highway. At Bangga Dama in Santa Barbara, a bypass branches from the highway, leading to a 3-kilometer (1.9 mi) long, 30-meter (98 ft) wide access road which links the airport complex to the highway.[36] The access road is wide enough to be able to accommodate four lanes of traffic. The estimated travel time to the airport from Iloilo City proper is around thirty minutes.[8]

To relieve crowding on the main access road during peak hours, a 3.2-kilometer (2.0 mi) secondary access road was constructed, connecting the airport to Cabatuan proper through Barangay Duyan-Duyan. The 124 million-peso ($2.6 million) road is expected to improve connectivity between the airport and both northern Iloilo and southern Capiz, as well as reduce travel times from there to the airport by at least fifteen minutes.[95] The two-lane road opened in July 2010.[96]

Public transportation[edit]

When the airport opened in 2007, no franchises for transport services to the airport have been granted yet by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), although public transport routes to and from the airport were being studied.[97] Some transport operators, however, have expressed interest in starting shuttle services to the airport from Iloilo City, while others have drawn proposals for public transport routes from Iloilo City directly to the airport.[97] A shuttle service is currently available to the airport from Iloilo City, with pick-up and drop-off points at SM City Iloilo and Jaro Plaza.[8] Aside from shuttle services, P2P buses can be used by travelers going to Iloilo Business Park and vice versa, which was launched July 2019.[98]

Taxi cabs in Iloilo may be hired to get from the airport to Iloilo City Proper or vice versa. The taxi drivers will most likely opt for a fixed rate rather than using the taxi meter. The taxi fare going to the airport from Iloilo City Proper range between 350 and 400 pesos as of 2016.[8]

Iloilo International Airport is accessible via jeepney to Santa Barbara town proper, after which travelers may take a share taxi to the airport. Travelers may also take jeepneys en route to Cabatuan, Calinog or Janiuay, all of which stop at Santa Barbara.[8]

Rail[edit]

A train linking Iloilo International Airport to Iloilo City proper, similar to the Airport Express in Hong Kong and similar systems in other cities, has been proposed.[99] A study to determine the feasibility of a train service has since been commissioned by the city government.[100] Other proposals to connect the airport to the city via rail include the revival of the currently defunct Panay Railways network which has a station in Santa Barbara town proper.[101]

Accidents and incidents[edit]

  • On October 13, 2017, Cebu Pacific Air Flight 461 (registration RP-C3237) overran the runway on landing after a flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. All 180 passengers plus the crew safely evacuated the aircraft. As the airport was closed in order to tow the incident aircraft to the tarmac, flights serving the Manila-Iloilo vice versa and Iloilo-Cebu vice versa routes were diverted to Roxas Airport, while Mactan–Cebu International Airport became the diversion airport for the Iloilo-Hong Kong vice versa flights.[102]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Ceb Launches Direct Flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong, Singapore, Palawan, Gensan" (Press release). Cebu Pacific. July 16, 2012. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  2. ^ "Aircraft, Passenger, and Cargo Movements" (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d "CAAP List of Airports". Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  4. ^ "CAAP List of Airports". Archived from the original on December 22, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  5. ^ "Municipality of Oton official website". Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  6. ^ "ILOILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CABATUAN, ILOILO". Archived from the original on August 28, 2013. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  7. ^ "Philippine Aircraft, Passenger and Cargo Statistics 2001–2010". March 21, 2011. Archived from the original on June 2, 2013.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Caratao Jr., Marcos (June 18, 2007). "New Iloilo Airport". Explore Iloilo. Archived from the original on September 12, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2007.
  9. ^ a b Aircraft, Passenger, Cargo Movements 2021 (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Report). Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  10. ^ "Aquino assures Iloilo airport as main gateway of W. Visayas". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. June 2, 2012. Archived from the original on December 6, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  11. ^ a b "Iloilo International Airport". IloiloAirport.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2007. Retrieved April 16, 2007.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i Subong, Elsa S. (June 13, 2007). "Feature: The new Iloilo Airport in perspective". Philippine Information Agency. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved June 13, 2007.
  13. ^ a b "Feature: P8.7-B Iloilo Airport symbol of political will". Philippine Information Agency. June 13, 2007. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
  14. ^ Labiste, Ma. Diosa; Burgos Jr., Nestor P. (June 15, 2007). "Old Iloilo airport sees last of happy landings". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2009.
  15. ^ a b c Jalbuna, Eduardo L. (October 2, 1997). "ATO favors Iloilo over Guimaras as site of international airport". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation. p. 10.
  16. ^ a b c d e Jabatan, Laricelle A.; Tagalog, Jun P.; Meniano, Sarwell Q. (June 24, 2005). "Visayas terminals struggle with decades-old facilities". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2009. Alt URL
  17. ^ "Imperial Japanese Army Surrender to the California National Guard's 160th Infantry Regiment: Cabatuan Airfield, Barrio Tiring, Cabatuan, Iloilo, Panay Island, Commonwealth of the Philippines, 2 September 1945".
  18. ^ "Imperial Japanese Army Surrender to the California National Guard's 160th Infantry Regiment: Cabatuan Airfield, Barrio Tiring, Cabatuan, Iloilo, Panay Island, Commonwealth of the Philippines, 2 September 1945".
  19. ^ "Imperial Japanese Army Surrender to the California National Guard's 160th Infantry Regiment: Cabatuan Airfield, Barrio Tiring, Cabatuan, Iloilo, Panay Island, Commonwealth of the Philippines, 2 September 1945".
  20. ^ Perez, Larina G. (October 3, 1995). "Iloilo to put up alternative airport". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation. p. 20.
  21. ^ Jalbuna, Eduardo L. (July 28, 1997). "New Region 6 airport in sight". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation.
  22. ^ Jalbuna, Eduardo L. (February 4, 1998). "NEDA rejects new Iloilo airport". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation. p. 7.
  23. ^ Jalbuna, Eduardo L. (November 5, 1998). "Iloilo airport project suffers setback". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation.
  24. ^ "Bacolod Airport (BCD), Negros Island, Philippines". Airport Technology. SPG Media Limited. April 30, 2005. Archived from the original on May 22, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2007.
  25. ^ "P5.5M set for new airports in region". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. October 10, 2006. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  26. ^ a b "GMA visits Iloilo, inaugurates development projects". Office of the Press Secretary. January 25, 2004. Archived from the original on March 5, 2004. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  27. ^ "Philippines/Japan move closer to deal for new Iloilo airport". AsiaPulse News. March 16, 2000. Retrieved August 7, 2007.
  28. ^ Celebria, Gina Angela H.; Espada, Ian C. (June 1, 2007). "PGMA to inaugurate P7 B Iloilo Airport". Provincial Government of Iloilo. Archived from the original on October 24, 2007. Retrieved August 7, 2007.
  29. ^ Jalbuna, Eduardo L. (December 11, 1998). "NEDA identifies funding sources for Iloilo airport". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation.
  30. ^ De Leon, Patricia Joan F. (October 13, 1999). "Team drops Iloilo airport from Obuchi funding list". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation. p. 6.
  31. ^ "Japan set to lend Philippines $151.7 mln for Iloilo Airport". AsiaPulse News. March 24, 2000. Retrieved October 4, 2009.
  32. ^ Angelo, Francis Allan L. (September 30, 2006). "Drilon: New Iloilo airport is graft-free". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  33. ^ a b Garcia, Erly C. (April 26, 2007). "Contractor assures airport project still within timetable". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on May 10, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  34. ^ a b c "New Iloilo Airport Dev't Project 75% completed". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. July 14, 2006. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  35. ^ "Drilon urges PGMA to open new Iloilo airport now". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. May 29, 2007. Archived from the original on August 8, 2008. Retrieved June 5, 2008.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h Ronda, Rainier Allan (April 18, 2007). "New Iloilo int'l airport to open this month". The Philippine Star. PhilStar Daily, Inc. Archived from the original on August 24, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  37. ^ Amojelar, Darwin G. (October 30, 2007). "NEDA OK's new Iloilo airport cost overruns". The Manila Times. Manila Times Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on January 1, 2008. Retrieved December 2, 2007.
  38. ^ a b c Dalipe IV, Gerome (August 7, 2006). "Airport name game: It should be Iloilo, not Panay, insist city, prov'l officials". Panay News. FILES Publications. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  39. ^ Angelo, Francis Allan L. (August 7, 2006). "Iloilo officials slam plan to change name of Iloilo airport". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  40. ^ Bilbao, Lory Ann B. (August 9, 2006). "Provincial Board lambastes council for airport name proposal". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  41. ^ a b Bilbao, Lory Ann B. (February 9, 2007). "New airport as the Lopez Jaena airport?". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on June 14, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  42. ^ "What's the official name of the new Iloilo airport?". Panay News. FILES Publications. May 28, 2007. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2007.
  43. ^ Espina, R.L. (May 24, 2007). "NHI endorses Lopez Jaena name for new Iloilo airport". Visayan Daily Star. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  44. ^ Calubiran, Maricar M. (August 14, 2006). "SP takes stand on 2 controversial issues". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on May 24, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  45. ^ "Cabatuan exec joins call to retain airport's name". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. August 10, 2006. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  46. ^ Angelo, Francis Allan L. (August 10, 2006). "Gonzalez opposed plans to rename the new Iloilo airport in Cabatuan-Sta. Barbara area to Panay International Airport". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  47. ^ Teves-Magalona, Marichel (August 16, 2006). "There is an issue on what to name the new airport in Cabatuan... what do you suggest? Why?". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on April 29, 2008. Retrieved March 31, 2008.
  48. ^ a b Yap, Tara (June 24, 2013). "Renaming of Iloilo Airport opposed". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  49. ^ Rendon, Jennifer (July 2, 2013). "Drilon wants Iloilo airport's name retained". The Philippine Star. Philstar Daily, Inc. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  50. ^ Yap, Tara (June 21, 2013). "Renaming of airport nixed". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on June 24, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  51. ^ Robles, Nelson C. (October 3, 2006). "Drilon satisfied with New Iloilo Airport". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  52. ^ Calubiran, Maricar M. (April 12, 2007). "PGMA to grace opening of new Iloilo airport". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  53. ^ Calubiran, Maricar M. (April 13, 2007). "PGMA's Iloilo visit canceled". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on May 10, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  54. ^ Caratao Jr., Marcos (April 27, 2007). "Major Ongoing Infrastructure Projects in Iloilo – April 2007". Explore Iloilo. Archived from the original on May 25, 2007. Retrieved April 28, 2007.
  55. ^ "Iloilo Airport inauguration slated after May polls". Philippine News Agency. May 2, 2007. Archived from the original on February 23, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2007.
  56. ^ Dela Cruz, Roderick T. (May 14, 2007). "Iloilo airport opens in June". Manila Standard Today. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on May 19, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2007.
  57. ^ Arcibal, Cheryl (May 4, 2007). "Govt defers opening of Iloilo airport to avoid politicking charges". GMA News. GMA News and Public Affairs. Archived from the original on May 6, 2007. Retrieved July 13, 2008.
  58. ^ a b Sinay, David Israel (June 3, 2007). "New Iloilo Airport to open June 13 after a month's delay". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2007.
  59. ^ Arcibal, Cheryl (June 7, 2007). "Arroyo to inaugurate new Iloilo airport on June 13". GMA News. GMA News and Public Affairs. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved June 12, 2007.
  60. ^ a b Petinglay, Annabel J. (June 13, 2007). "PGMA's plane makes historic landing at new Iloilo airport". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved June 13, 2007.
  61. ^ Hibionada, Florence F. (June 13, 2007). "Goodbye Mandurriao, Hello Cabatuan". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on July 18, 2007. Retrieved July 12, 2007.
  62. ^ "Ulihi, una nga flights sang old, new airports". GMA News (in Hiligaynon). GMA Iloilo. June 14, 2007. Archived from the original on June 26, 2007. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
  63. ^ a b c Angelo, Francis Allan L. (June 15, 2007). "Not so perfect start for New Iloilo Airport". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved June 15, 2007.
  64. ^ Momblan, Gail (May 31, 2019). "Iloilo airport expansion plan up for approval". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  65. ^ "Iloilo airport up for P30.4-B expansion". SunStar. February 26, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  66. ^ Mercurio, Richmond (December 20, 2018). "Villar Group offers to take over Iloilo airport". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  67. ^ Formoso, Celeste Anna R. (January 31, 2014). "TIEZA appropriates funds for expansion of Busuanga Airport in northern Palawan". Philippines News Agency. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  68. ^ Piad, Tyrone Jasper C. (October 22, 2022). "Airport rehab, seaports needed to boost logistics". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  69. ^ Sornito, Ime (December 9, 2022). "'LONG OVERDUE' EXPANSION; Iloilo Airport needs to expand to cater to more passengers – CAAP Iloilo". Panay News. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  70. ^ a b Subong, Elsa S. (May 15, 2007). "Iloilo airport ready to serve anytime – ATO". Philippine Information Agency. Archived from the original on February 22, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2007.
  71. ^ Geronimo, Harold (August 25, 2009). "Best airports in the Philippines". Manila Standard Today. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2009.
  72. ^ a b c d e "Inagurasyon sang Iloilo Airport Apr 16". GMA News (in Hiligaynon). GMA Iloilo. April 11, 2007. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
  73. ^ Latoza, Reymar (December 15, 2013). "Duty Free now in Iloilo". Iloilo Metropolitan Times. Metropolitan Global PH Communications. Archived from the original on August 2, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  74. ^ "Domestic Lounge". www.philippineairlines.com. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  75. ^ "Iloilo airport now offers free Wifi connection". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. August 6, 2016. Archived from the original on August 11, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  76. ^ "GMA empowers Iloilo". Office of the Press Secretary. January 25, 2004. Archived from the original on March 5, 2004. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  77. ^ "Sunlight Air launches Cebu hub, opens six new routes". Aviation Updates PH. February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  78. ^ Latoza, Reymar (August 14, 2022). "Iloilo Airport to remain closed to international flights". Iloilo Metropolitan Times. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  79. ^ a b Ladigohon, Kenneth (April 8, 2011). "Iloilo Airport ready for international flights". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on April 10, 2011. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
  80. ^ Balnig, Jay Dooma (June 7, 2007). "No int'l flights in new airport this year: air transpo exec". Sun.Star Iloilo. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on September 11, 2007. Retrieved June 7, 2007.
  81. ^ a b Angelo, Francis Allan L. (June 14, 2007). "Int'l flights possible in NIA". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  82. ^ Calubiran, Maricar M. (September 16, 2008). "International flights at Iloilo airport mulled". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
  83. ^ Calubiran, Maricar M. (February 1, 2008). "Airline company plans to have Iloilo-HK flight". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on February 2, 2008. Retrieved February 17, 2008.
  84. ^ a b Villalon, Kathy M. (May 23, 2008). "Iloilo-Caticlan, Iloilo-Hongkong routes mulled". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on May 26, 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2008.
  85. ^ a b Fernandez, Jeehan V. (September 17, 2008). "More domestic, int'l flights eyed". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on September 25, 2008. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  86. ^ Fernandez, Jeehan V. (February 10, 2008). "'Iloilo should woo int'l airlines'". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved March 26, 2008.
  87. ^ Lena, Perla G. (November 9, 2012). "First maiden international flight takes off from Iloilo airport". TV5 News and Information. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  88. ^ Fernandez, Jeehan V. (May 23, 2008). "PAL sees tourism, biz boom in Iloilo". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  89. ^ "Air Juan opens flights between Cuyo, Iloilo and Caticlan". Sun.Star Manila. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. March 17, 2017. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  90. ^ "Air Juan to start flights in Sipalay on August 3". Sun.Star Bacolod. Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. July 20, 2017. Archived from the original on July 27, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  91. ^ Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (July 23, 2018). "Yearly Passenger, Cargo and Aircraft Movements of all airports in the Philippines 1997-2017". Republic of the Philippines - Freedom of Information Portal. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  92. ^ "eFOI - Electronic Freedom of Information - Request". eFOI - Electronic Freedom of Information. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  93. ^ Aircraft, Passenger, Cargo Movements 2019 (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Report). Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  94. ^ Aircraft, Passenger, Cargo Movements 2020 (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Report). Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  95. ^ "P124M secondary access road for new Iloilo airport to start within the year". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. July 27, 2009. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  96. ^ "Secondary access road to Iloilo Airport seen to bolster regional economy". Philippine Information Agency. September 16, 2009. Archived from the original on August 11, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2009.
  97. ^ a b Calubiran, Maricar M. (April 13, 2007). "Public transport direct to new airport needed". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on May 10, 2007. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
  98. ^ Charm, Neil. "Megaworld allots P350M for Iloilo transport hubs". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  99. ^ Fernandez, Jeehan V. (June 15, 2007). "Train mulled for NIA–Iloilo City route". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved July 1, 2007.
  100. ^ Fernandez, Jeehan V. "Panay included in nat'l railway plan". The Daily Guardian. Kayo and Partners. Archived from the original on February 17, 2009. Retrieved June 12, 2008.
  101. ^ Salvilla, Rex S. (July 28, 2006). "Anything Under the Sun: Panay Railways". The News Today. TNT Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on July 5, 2009. Retrieved June 12, 2008.
  102. ^ "180 passengers evacuated from Cebu Pacific plane at Iloilo airport". Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 14, 2017. Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2017.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Iloilo International Airport.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iloilo_International_Airport&oldid=1218892948"